Oxidants, like other aspects of life, involves tradeoffs. Oxidants, whether intentionally produced or by-products of normal metabolism can either mediate a variety of critical biological processes but when present inappropriately cause extensive damage to biological molecules (DNA, proteins, and lipids). These effects can lead to either damage that is a major contributor to aging and degenerative diseases (or to other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts) or normal physiological function- tissue repair, defense against...

This volume stems from the Second International Conference on Environmental Stressors in Biology and Medicine, which occurred October 5-7, 2011 in Siena, Italy. Included are short reviews and perspectives on the basic mechanisms of environmental stressors; physical and chemical stressors and related diseases; air pollutants and related diseases; protection afforded by food and pharmaceuticals; and food as a source of stressors.

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